The former abbot of China’s Shaolin Temple, one of the country’s most well-known Buddhist monasteries, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after being found guilty of corruption, bribery, and misconduct.
A court in central China’s Henan province also imposed a fine of 3.5 million yuan on the disgraced monk, identified in court records as Shi Yongxin, whose legal name is Liu Yingcheng.
Misuse of Position and Financial Crimes
According to the court ruling, Shi abused his position at the historic Shaolin Temple to embezzle and misappropriate large sums of money linked to temple projects and assets.
Officials stated that his actions resulted in “severely harmful consequences and adverse social impact,” as reported by Chinese state media outlet CCTV.
Charges Against the Former Monk
The case included multiple charges, including:
- Embezzlement and misappropriation of funds
- Bribery
- Abuse of authority
Investigators concluded that Shi used his administrative influence within the temple to carry out financial wrongdoing over a sustained period.
Violation of Monastic Rules
Alongside financial crimes, Shi was also found guilty of violating strict monastic vows.
Authorities said he maintained relationships with multiple women and fathered a child, actions considered a serious breach of Buddhist discipline.
Investigation and Court Findings
Shi was placed under investigation last year amid allegations of financial irregularities involving temple funds and development projects.
During legal proceedings, he reportedly expressed remorse and voluntarily disclosed additional offences that had not initially been identified by investigators.
Background of the Case
Shi Yongxin was one of the most prominent religious figures associated with the Shaolin Temple, globally known for its martial arts tradition and Buddhist heritage.
His conviction marks one of the most high-profile disciplinary cases involving a religious institution in China in recent years.